Sambhav-2025

Approach

• Introduce the answer by mentioning net-zero emissions, India’s 2070 target, and its significance.
• Critically analyze whether India's net-zero goal is realistic by discussing Feasibility of India’s Net-Zero Target and measures to achieve them.
• Conclude by emphasizing that with strong policies, investments, and global cooperation, India can achieve its net-zero goal.

Introduction

India has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, aligning with global climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. This entails balancing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions with removal efforts, requiring significant policy, technological, and behavioral shifts. However, given India's development needs and energy dependence on fossil fuels, achieving this target presents both challenges and opportunities.

Body

Feasibility of India’s Net-Zero Target

• High Dependence on Coal – India derives over 55% of its electricity from coal, making a rapid transition difficult.
  • According to India Rating and Research (Ind-Ra), thermal power is set to remain a crucial component of India's energy mix.
• Economic and Energy Growth Needs – With a growing population and rising industrialization, energy demand is expected to triple by 2050. Moreover, achieving net-zero without compromising growth requires heavy investments in renewables and storage technologies.
• Technological and Financial Constraints – Transitioning to green energy requires $10 trillion in investments by 2070 (CEEW report), but India lacks sufficient funding and advanced carbon capture technology.
• Slow Progress in Renewable Expansion – While India aims for 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030, current progress suggests delays. For example, solar and wind power projects face land acquisition and grid integration issues as land is a state subject.
• Challenges in the Transportation Sector – Road transport alone accounts for 12% of India's energy-related CO2 emissions, yet EV adoption is sluggish due to high costs, inadequate charging infrastructure, and consumer behaviour (range anxiety).
• Industrial Decarbonization Challenges – The steel and cement industries alone contribute 18% of India's total emissions. Transitioning to green hydrogen and carbon capture remains costly and technically challenging.
• Agriculture and Livelihood Concerns – Agriculture emits 14% of India’s GHGs, mainly from methane (livestock) and fertilizers. Reducing emissions without harming small farmers’ income is a major policy dilemma.
• Policy and Implementation Gaps – India lacks a binding carbon pricing mechanism and strong regulatory enforcement, making it difficult to achieve sector-wide decarbonization.

Pathways to Achieve Net-Zero

• Accelerated Renewable Energy Deployment – Prioritize solar, wind, and hydropower expansion, improve grid storage, and incentivize decentralized renewable systems like rooftop solar.
• Phase Down Coal with Just Transition – Implement a gradual coal phase-out strategy, ensuring alternative jobs and energy security, as seen in South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Partnership.
• Invest in Green Hydrogen & Carbon Capture – Scale up green hydrogen projects and invest in carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), as seen in Japan’s CCUS roadmap.
• Electrification of Transport – Expand EV incentives, localize battery manufacturing, and invest in charging infrastructure, following Norway’s EV model.
• Decarbonizing Industry & Buildings – Promote energy efficiency, green steel, and sustainable cement technologies through production-linked incentives (PLIs).
• Climate-Resilient Agriculture – Adopt precision farming, organic fertilizers, and methane capture from livestock, ensuring sustainable practices while protecting farmers.
• Enhancing Carbon Markets and Green Financing – Strengthening carbon trading and green bonds can mobilize private investments.
  • The recent Green Bond issuance raised ₹16,000 crore for clean energy projects.
  • Also, India's upcoming Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), set to launch mid-2026 aims to create a carbon market to incentivize emissions reduction and align with global climate goals.
• Leveraging International Climate Finance and Cooperation – Mobilizing global funds and technology transfers is vital. Leverage collaboration with other nations for financial and technological support. For example: India-US Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).

Conclusion

India’s net-zero goal is ambitious but feasible with robust policies, financial support, and technological advancements. Addressing energy security, industrial transformation, and social equity is crucial. A proactive, multi-sectoral approach can ensure sustainable growth while meeting climate commitments.